Football |29 September 2023

Some Mont Fleuri FC players dressed in their new kits

Woodworks Unlimited sponsors Mont Fleuri FC three kits

• Mont Fleuri FC aiming for top flight football

A household name in local football, Mont Fleuri FC have known some lean years but finished fourth in the Championship division last year. With the backing of sponsors, Mont Fleuri FC hope to enjoy a good season to qualify for promotion to the top flight.

Speaking to Sports NATION, Mont Fleuri FC chairman Dave Barallon mentioned that they are encountering some financial issues to propel the club further onto the football scene in Seychelles. He mentioned that they are aiming for a top-three finish in the Championship to fight for a place in the Premier League.

Mont Fleuri FC’s first game of the season wasagainst Tigers FC on Wednesday and Mr Barallon described them as a tough rival. “We are aiming to compete more vigorously to achieve our objective of playing Premier League football during the 2024-2025 season,” said chairman Barallon.

He also mentioned that they wanted to recruit more foreign players but due to a lack of funds they could not do so.

“The local government department has stopped the payment of insurance for sports teams which was a great help for a lot of clubs, but now the burden is on the clubs to look for the money to pay for the players’ insurance,” said Mr Barallon.

He stated that not all sponsors are forthcoming but expressed his gratitude to those who are helping them.

“I would like to thank Sodepak, Val Riche and Woodworks Unlimited companies for being loyal to us. I hope our good working experience continues and we also welcome potential sponsors to come forward as it is not easy running a football club,” explained MrBarallon.

Mont Fleuri FC currently have a senior team, under-20 (U20) and U17s selections. Last year, their U17 team finished as runners-up in the youth league.

This year, they want to field U6, U7, U8, U10, U11, U12 and U13 teams. “This is very challenging financially but we are committed to identify and produce good footballers for Seychelles,” saidMr Barallon.

He added that their pre-season training has gone according to plan, noting that they have worked to improve their attackas this department in their game did not function to a 100% last season. We hope that the team will be sharper and more decisive in transition play. 

Mont Fleuri FC faced Tigers FC on Wednesday at the newly resurfaced pitch at Stad Linite, wearingtheir new kit sponsored by Woodworks Unlimited who stepped inand brought its support to the team.

Tania Esparon, representing Woodworks Unlimited, handed over the three sets of uniform to the Mont Fleuri FC during a small ceremony, prior to a training session at the Mont Fleuri playing field, recently.

Ms Esparon told Sports NATIONthat through this gesture they wanted to give back to the community and provide support to a young group of players who are trying to reach their best in their chosen sport.

She mentioned that the club with their youth teams also help the youths to focus on something in life, rather than letting them drift into many social ills.

“We do not just operate a business, and with that mindset we said why not make a small gesture and give back to the community and there is no better way than to sponsor a young team,”said Ms Esparon. 

She also added that this collaboration will certainly grow. “It is something that we want to continue, as we have sponsored the senior team and we are looking at what we can do for their youth teams as we also appreciate this initiative,” she added.

Also present during the presentation was member of the National Assembly for Mont Fleuri Michel Roucou. In a short conversation with Sports NATION, honorable Roucou mentioned that he is willing to provide support and encourage all sports teams in the district.

“We need to encourage the youngsters to take up sports life football instead of seeing them involved in anti-social behaviour. I am very happy to see sponsors willing to support team sports,” said honorable Roucou.

He also said we must continue to educate the players that businesses work hard to generate their revenue and in return they should be thanked and encouraged to offer such resources in the future.

On behalf of the team, Matthew Basset accepted the new kits and chairman Barallon thanked the sponsors for their gesture. This, they said, will boost their motivation and help them to improve their performance.

They also encouraged other businesses and individuals in the community who can afford, to step forward and play a role in helping the youth.

Neil Sirame